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BWW Blog: Tara Folio - The Beginning of Another National Anthem
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - February 25, 2016
Well, here we are; we finally made it to opening night.
Wetumpka Depot to Present SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK LIVE
by BWW News Desk - February 23, 2016
Meet us for Conjunction Junction- at the Depot Junction for School House Rock Live on March 11 and 12 at 7pm.   
BWW Review: NEXT TO NORMAL Stirs Emotions
by Marietta Lunceford - February 19, 2016
NEXT TO NORMAL is an exploration of grief and how it can pull you down to the depths of depression. Although not what you usually expect from Red Mountain Theatre Company, it is a timely and real look at mental illness. It is hard to know where to start in giving accolades to this talented cast and crew.
BWW Blog: Tara Folio - A Cast That Sneezes Together, Stays Together
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - February 17, 2016
Do you know the saying, 'sharing is caring'? Well, here at Auburn the cast of Assassins has taken this idea to the extreme. It seems that in the past two weeks, the entire cast (except for about three extremely lucky people) has come down with a bad case of what seems like the plague. With all this sickness and lagging energy running rampant backstage, it sometimes seems impossible to keep the show running smoothly. So how does a cast with an abundance of sneezing and coughing still manage to project their voices to the last row and sing high notes until their ears ring? (That was a real question; sometimes I really don't know how we keep going.) Somehow, thanks to steamers, tea, cough drops, Dayquil, and shots of olive oil, we have all managed to power through rehearsals, but our ability to keep going comes from more than just our mass amount of pharmaceutical products; it comes from our ability to work as a team.
Silvestri, Higgins & Cohen's New Musical THE COUNTESS OF STORYVILLE Premieres at University of Alabama
by BWW News Desk - February 16, 2016
The University of Alabama Theatre & Dance just announced that -- in association with Tony Award-winning producer Margot Astrachan -- it will present the world premiere of the new Broadway-bound musical THE COUNTESS OF STORYVILLE.
Silvestri, Higgins & Cohen's New Musical THE COUNTESS OF STORYVILLE to Premiere at University of Alabama
by BWW News Desk - February 12, 2016
The University of Alabama Theatre & Dance just announced that -- in association with Tony Award-winning producer Margot Astrachan -- it will present the world premiere of the new Broadway-bound musical THE COUNTESS OF STORYVILLE.
BWW Blog: Tara Folio - Interrogating the Assassins: The Backstage Beyonce
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - February 10, 2016
Sometimes being a theater student can feel like I'm living a double life. I leave for school to be a student from about eight in the morning to five in the afternoon, and then almost immediately after school I arrive in the theater for rehearsal, which can last until about ten at night, or sometimes longer. Between school, rehearsal, my sorority, homework, and just trying to be a normal college student, it's fairly easy to feel overwhelmed a good ninety percent of the day. Most of the time I can never imagine my world as anything but chaotic, but then I remember one person that I know for a fact is always working longer and harder than I am: the Stage Manager of Assassins, Amanda Murphy. Amanda is the ninja that makes sure everything that needs to be done is taken care of, before anyone even realized there was a problem. Just imagine, one person in this cast is responsible for writing the schedules, communicating between the creative teams, taking notes for the director, keeping a eye on the actors, making sure everyone is where they need to be, and making sure everyone knows exactly what they're suppose to be doing. I know that she has about a million more jobs, but in order to actually write everything she's responsible for, I would have to fill up at least three more blog posts. This girl is responsible for all of these tasks in addition to her school work, and she pulls it off flawlessly; she is basically a behind the scenes Beyonce. I know I can't even begin to fathom what a huge responsibility stage-managing is, so I wanted to hear it from Super Girl herself.
BWW Review: BOEING, BOEING Flies High
by Marietta Lunceford - February 05, 2016
What happens when you take one guy with three fiancés, add in a naive friend from the Midwest, throw in a long suffering housekeeper trying to keep things straight and put them all in one apartment in Paris in the 1960's?? You get one hilarious night of theatre!
BWW Blog: Tara Folio - Just a Cog in the Machine
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - February 03, 2016
Throughout my life of performing, I have always been told to 'take care of myself' and 'always work to make myself better'. I feel like to the untrained eye, this industry seems extremely 'I, I, I' and 'me, me, me' focused. This idea might explain why in most movies the theater kids are portrayed as the uppity, self-centered narcissists (I mean come on, I know most of us can relate to Sharpay Evans on a personal level). An actor's job is built on introspection, on looking inside ourselves to find our motivation, but sometimes we become so focused on what's inside us, we forget that we are part of an ensemble.
BWW Review: MY BUDDY BILL Scores Big
by Marietta Lunceford - January 31, 2016
MY BUDDY BILL is written by Rick Cleveland, who has also written for THE WEST WING and MAD MEN. With his wit and insider stories of Washington and Hollywood, Cleveland has now written a fascinating story about his unlikely friendship with President Bill Clinton. MY BUDDY BILL tells an interesting, hilarious and yet poignant story about a lifestyle we can only imagine.
BWW Review: STEEL MAGNOLIAS Shows Style
by Marietta Lunceford - January 30, 2016
South City Theatre made a move about a year ago and it was a great one. Their latest offering, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, has broken records for ticket sales. It is a classic that will make you laugh and cry.
BWW Blog: Tara Folio - Interrogating the ASSASSINS: Singing History to Life
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - January 29, 2016
The process of stepping into a new role is definitely not something that can happen over night; it's something that an actor must gradually enter into. There is so much for a performer to learn about a new character; an actor must grasp an understanding about the role's background, who this person is, what they believe, who they trust, how they carry themselves (I could write a thousand more components, but let's be honest, none of us have time for that). Now imagine you have been cast in a new show, and your character isn't even a person (per say), but instead you are an idea, a concept; what if you were history? For Jordan Lunstead, a senior at Auburn University, this hypothetical situation is all too real. Jordan will be playing the 'Balladeer' in this production of Assassins, and has the responsibility of telling the story of each and every assassin, through song. In order to wrap my mind around such a complex character, I sat down with my friend, Jordan and asked him a couple questions about the challenging process that lies ahead of him.
BWW Blog: Tara Folio of Auburn University - Every Villain Has a Silver Lining
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - January 26, 2016
Not every lesson we learn in our life is engrained into our minds forever. We remember things like 'look both ways before you cross the street' and most likely every lyric from all your favorite songs in middle school, but good luck recalling the formula for the Pythagorean Theorem. The same is true for acting, some things we remember, and some we discard because our brain needed to make more room for all the songs from Hamilton (what a hip reference). If there's one acting lesson I have carried with me all of my life, it's this: You cannot hate the character you are playing. Now if you're portraying a wholesome and pure character like 'Cinderella' or 'Gertrude McFuzz', the task of finding the good in your character is as simple as finding 'Horton the Elephant' in a crowd of Whos. The true test of an actor is finding the positive qualities in absolutely devious characters like the 'Witch' in Into the Woods or 'Orin Scrivello, DDS' in Little Shop. To the outside world these characters seem like the scum of the Earth, but it is the actor's job to closely read into the character and discover the motivation behind the character's dastardly deeds.
BWW Blog: Tara Folio - Interrogating the Assassins: Introducing Girl Power
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - January 22, 2016
There's always more than one side to every story, and this production of Assassins is no different. To make sure I'm covering this show from every possible angle, I've decided to annoy my fellow casemates with a recorder and a series of important questions about their experiences (and I really do mean I annoyed them, considering I followed them around between classes to get their answers).
BWW Blog: Meet Tara Folio of Auburn University - ASSASSINS is in Session
by Guest Blogger: Tara Folio - January 18, 2016
Hello, new reader. My name is Tara, and since you found your way to this blog, I'm pretty sure that we have something in common: we are most likely head-over-heels in love with theater. My love affair with this amazing world began at the ripe age of two, thanks to a mom who wanted an after school activity for her three daughters, and could never have known that her after school choice would inspire her child to perform in over fifty plays and major in musical theater. Now, because you are reading this blog, I'm assuming that you have at least a small soft spot in your heart for theater, whether you went to see Les Mis once because you (like me) think Eddie Redmayne is a beautiful angel, or you've chosen it as your profession. For your reading pleasure, I have decided to share a little bit of my theater life with the internet, by documenting my final show at Auburn University. Every week I will be posting about my cast's preparation for our production of Assassins, as well as interviewing my fellow cast mates to get their thoughts on the experience. Spoiler alert: Putting on a show like Assassins at a school that boasts it has 'the most conservative student body in the country' is surely going to be an interesting journey.
BWW Review: BYHALIA, MISSISSIPPI Tackles Issues
by Marietta Lunceford - January 18, 2016
BYHALIA, MISSISSIPPI is a new play by Chicago playwright Evan Linder that combines humor and drama while bringing up issues of race, faithfulness, family, and forgiveness.Presented in readings and productions in 7 cities across the country, Birmingham was fortunate to take part in what will now be a online conversation this Monday.
BWW Review: THE LYRIC Brings Glamour Back
by Marietta Lunceford - January 16, 2016
Exactly 102 years after opening as a Vaudeville house, The Lyric has been refurbished and is open again. It is a gem in the crown of the rebirth of the downtown area of Birmingham and is mesmerizing in its beauty and exciting to be a part of. Find a way to get down there soon.
2015 BroadwayWorld Birmingham Awards Winners Announced!
by BWW Special Coverage - January 12, 2016
Votes are cast; polls are closed; and results have been tabulated! This was our biggest year yet! After a record number of voters in more than 70 regions worldwide, BroadwayWorld is very excited to announce the 2015 Birmingham winners! Thanks to all who voted, and huge congratulations to all the winners!
Wetumpka Depot Players to Host Grace Bishop Scholarship Benefit
by BWW News Desk - January 06, 2016
When the Wetumpka Depot Players were in their infancy 35 years ago, the founders of the now award-winning, nationally recognized community theatre  had a vision to provide entertainment and theatre education to the Wetumpka community. Among those visionaries was Grace K. Bishop.  Bishop was a long time educator, artist , author and well known community leader. In memory and in honor of Bishop's contributions to the community, the  Wetumpka Depot Players invest in future talent and potential leaders in the theatre industry by awarding college students majoring in theatre and other arts related university programs, scholarships through the Grace Kappes Bishop Scholarship fund.
2015 BroadwayWorld Birmingham Awards - Last Week to Vote!
by BWW Special Coverage - December 24, 2015
Happy Holidays! It's the last week to vote for the 2015 BroadwayWorld Birmingham Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 18. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31!
Central Alabama Theater Presents Solo CHARLES DICKENS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL This Week
by BWW News Desk - December 22, 2015
Central Alabama Theater presents Actor Mark Cabus in his acclaimed one-man stage version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol in its Alabama premier this December. The veteran actor plays 36 characters from the classic tale of transformation and redemption at The Clubhouse On Highland, tonight and tomorrow, December 22 & 23 at 7:30 p.m.
2015 BroadwayWorld Birmingham Awards Update - Bee Hall in Lead!
by BWW Special Coverage - December 18, 2015
Time is running out to vote for the 2015 BroadwayWorld Birmingham Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 18. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31!
BWW Review: Red Mountain Theatre's HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR Is Just That
by Marietta Lunceford - December 14, 2015
Around 60 of the most talented young people you will ever find fill the stage with dance and the theatre with song. From traditional Christmas songs, to pop favorites both old and new, country classics to original music written just for this production, every aspect of the holidays is presented. With original songs and arrangements by Jay Tumminello, musical direction by Katie Holmes and directed by Keith Cromwell, this SPECTACULAR is a must-see, if you can get a ticket. Go quickly to redmountaintheatre.org for dates, times and ticket information.
2015 BroadwayWorld Birmingham Awards Update - Bee Hall in Big Lead!
by BWW Special Coverage - December 11, 2015
Voting is fully underway for the 2015 BroadwayWorld Birmingham Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 11. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31.
BWW Review: PAGEANTS Cover Spectrum
by Marietta Lunceford - December 07, 2015
One of the best things about theatre in Birmingham is the wide variety from which we have to choose. This weekend and next is a perfect example. On Friday I headed south to South City Theatre in Pelham to see THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER! and on Saturday I went north to Theatre Downtown to see THE MISS GOOSEPATCH CHRISTMAS PAGEANT. The things they have in common are that they are both funny shows that are done with very minimal sets and a relaxed feel about them. And they both have CHRISTMAS and PAGEANT in the title. Other than that they are pretty much complete opposites.

Videos


Swan Lake: International Ballet Stars in Mobile, AL! On January 07, 2026 in Birmingham Swan Lake: International Ballet Stars in Mobile, AL! On January 07, 2026
Saenger Theatre Mobile (1/7 - 1/7)
Big Fish in Birmingham Big Fish
Bean Brown (7/16 - 7/26)
Arsenic & Old Lace in Birmingham Arsenic & Old Lace
Bean Brown (2/20 - 3/1)
Hadestown (Non-Equity) in Birmingham Hadestown (Non-Equity)
Von Braun Center [Concert Hall] (1/9 - 1/11)
The Sleeping Beauty: International Ballet Stars in Dothan, AL! On January 06, 2026 in Birmingham The Sleeping Beauty: International Ballet Stars in Dothan, AL! On January 06, 2026
Dothan Civic Center Arena (1/6 - 1/6)
New Sound In Town in Birmingham New Sound In Town
Stage West (4/17 - 6/21)
Ripcord in Birmingham Ripcord
Terrific New Theatre (12/4 - 12/21)
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